7), colonialism is portrayed through economic control and social injustice in Kenya. Even after independence, foreign companies and local elites exploit the poor. Through the story of Ilmorog, Ngugi wa Thiong’o (1938-2025) exposes how colonial rule destroyed African life and values. By rewriting Kenya’s history, the writer expresses his anger at colonial exploitation and his hope for liberation. 

Loss of Land and Identity: Ngugi shows that colonialism first stole the land of African people. The British took farms and used the natives as cheap labor. The people of Ilmorog once enjoyed unity, peace, and a stable land. After colonization, they lost all. Ngugi writes, 

“For there are many questions about our history which remain unanswered.” 

This line highlights how colonial rulers concealed the truth about African history. The colonized were made to forget their roots. Their culture and pride were replaced by European control and greed.

Religion as a Colonial Tool: The writer shows how religion helped the colonizers control the Africans. The missionaries taught obedience, not freedom. Churches preached patience instead of resistance. Ngugi’s narrator says,  

“Christian, Commerce, Civilization: the Bible, the Coin, the Gun: Holy Trinity.” 

This short line captures the method of colonial domination. The Bible came first to change the mind, the coin to buy the land, and the gun to force obedience. Religion was not a blessing but a mask for slavery.

Education and Mental Slavery: Ngugi also attacks the colonial education system. Schools like Siriana train students to serve the white man’s system. Munira and Karega both study there and see how it shapes young Africans into followers. The white headmaster, Fraudsham, and his student Chui represent this false learning. Munira later becomes uneasy at any political talk. The narrator says, 

“Any talk of colonialism made him uneasy.” 

This shows how colonial education kills courage and creates weak minds. 

Betrayal of the Freedom Dream: Ngugi connects colonial oppression with postcolonial betrayal. The African leaders like Chui, Kimeria, and Mzigo copy their white masters. They continue the same system of greed and class division. Abdulla, a Mau Mau hero, loses his leg and his honor. He remembers real heroes like Dedan Kimathi, saying, 

“I wanted to see this black man who was but a voice, a black power, and whose military genius was recognised even by our enemy.” 

Through Abdulla’s memory, Ngugi glorifies the freedom fighters who truly loved their land. Colonialism may have ended, but its selfish spirit lives on in the new rulers.

Resistance and Hope for Renewal: Ngugi’s attitude toward colonialism is not only anger but also hope. He believes that people like Karega and Wanja will rebuild Kenya through struggle. The writer shows that true independence must come from the peasants and workers. Wanja’s pregnancy at the end becomes a symbol of renewal. Her words, “I think…I am with child,” indicate that new life will rise from suffering. 

In termination, Ngugi wa Thiong’o exposes the cruel face of colonialism and its deep wounds on Kenya clearly. He shows that the colonizers used religion, education, and violence to enslave both body and mind. Yet, he honors the people who resist and keep faith in freedom.